“I am saddened to observe Elon Musk completely going ‘off the rails,’ essentially turning into a TRAIN WRECK over the last five weeks,” Trump expressed on Truth Social, as reported by The New York Times. “He even intends to initiate a Third Political Party, despite the historical fact that such parties have never succeeded in the United States.”
The president reiterated these sentiments while addressing reporters on his return to Washington D.C. this weekend.
“He can enjoy it, but I find it absurd,” he remarked on Sunday. “I believe it is absurd to launch a third party. We have achieved significant success with the Republican Party. The Democrats have lost their direction, but it has always been a two-party system, and I think that starting a third party only adds to the confusion. It truly appears to have been designed for two parties.”
Musk’s proposed party, which he has named the America Party, signifies the latest indication of a public rift between the two individuals.
Previously, the two shared a close relationship, with Musk investing hundreds of millions into Trump’s campaign and receiving a significant role in overseeing government spending cuts as he was appointed the unofficial head of the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE).
However, that relationship began to deteriorate last month when Trump’s extensive domestic policy bill was passed by Congress.
Musk criticized the legislation, known as the One Big Beautiful Bill, labeling it a “disgusting abomination.”
He also indicated his support for primary challengers against any Republican who voted in favor of it. Despite this, the bill passed with overwhelming support from Republicans. Musk has not disclosed much information regarding the principles of the America Party or the individuals involved in its formation.
“Supporting a presidential candidate is certainly a possibility, yet the primary emphasis for the upcoming year will be on the House and Senate,” Musk stated on X this past Sunday.
Trump has also warned of potential cuts to federal contracts and tax incentives that favor Musk’s enterprises. On Sunday evening, Trump remarked that Musk only distanced himself because the legislation removed electric vehicle tax credits.
“I have been campaigning on this issue for two years and, to be honest, when Elon provided me with his complete and unwavering endorsement, I inquired if he was aware that I intended to abolish the EV Mandate — it was a point in every speech I delivered and in every discussion I engaged in,” Trump noted.
“He indicated that he had no objections to that — I was quite taken aback!”
Musk had earlier advocated for the termination of EV tax credits, but altered his stance this year as Tesla’s sales began to decline.
Trump further mentioned that Musk was irate regarding his decision to rescind the nomination of Jared Isaacman, a close associate of Musk and a SpaceX astronaut, to lead NASA.
Trump retracted the nomination after a White House official highlighted that Isaacman had contributed to prominent Democrats.
Isaacman had revealed these contributions during the transition period and prior to the nomination.
However, as Trump’s relationship with Musk deteriorated, the matter resurfaced behind closed doors.
“I also found it inappropriate for a very close friend of Elon, who was involved in the space industry, to lead NASA, given that NASA plays such a significant role in Elon’s corporate endeavors,” Trump added on Sunday.
Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent remarked that Musk’s prior efforts to eliminate waste in government had garnered popularity.
However, Bessent noted that Musk himself was not as well-received.
“I believe that the boards of directors at his various companies desired for him to return and manage those companies, as he excels at it more than anyone else,” Bessent stated on CNN.
“Thus, I suspect that those boards were not pleased with this announcement yesterday and will likely encourage him to concentrate on his business pursuits rather than his political engagements.”
